The Laurel Curve. State Route 17, Santa Cruz. For years, one of the deadliest stretches of roads in America. From 2004-2010, 73 percent of all fatal accidents on the entire length of 17 occurred at Laurel Curve. Construction of a median barrier has since made the road much safer.

The Laurel Curve. State Route 17, Santa Cruz. For years, one of the deadliest stretches of roads in America. From 2004-2010, 73 percent of all fatal accidents on the entire length of 17 occurred at Laurel

The Laurel Curve . State Route 17, Santa Cruz. For years, one of...photo-16727160.188767 - |ucfirst

The Cats. The feline statues along Highway 17 in Los Gatos. They've become the town's defining motif and are echoed in various forms of art locally. Leo and Leona have guarded the entrance to Poet's Canyon since sculptor Robert Paine crafted them in 1922 for the original owner's of this estate. less

The Cats. The feline statues along Highway 17 in Los Gatos. They've become the town's defining motif and are echoed in various forms of art locally. Leo and Leona have guarded the entrance to Poet's Canyon ... more

Photo: Manny Crisostomo, Multimedia Photojournalist

The Cats. The feline statues along Highway 17 in Los...photo-13216336.188767 - |ucfirst

The Novato Narrows. Highway 101 north of Atherton Avenue and south of the Marin-Sonoma county line, where three lanes narrow into two. It also has been called "the Dumps," thanks to the proximity of the Redwood Landfill, but locals objected to the unsavory name.

The Novato Narrows. Highway 101 north of Atherton Avenue and south of the Marin-Sonoma county line, where three lanes narrow into two. It also has been called "the Dumps," thanks to the proximity of the

The Berkeley Curve: The 90-degree curve on I-80 east of the Bay Bridge, which actually is not in Berkeley. It's in Emeryville.

The Berkeley Curve: The 90-degree curve on I-80 east of the Bay Bridge, which actually is not in Berkeley. It's in Emeryville.

Photo: Google Earth

The Berkeley Curve : The 90-degree curve on I-80 east of the Bay...photo-16774654.188767 - |ucfirst

Devil's Slide: Now a recreational area closed to traffic, this stretch of highway on U.S. 1 south of Pacifica was known both for horrific over-the-cliff accidents and rock slides that would sometimes close the roadway for weeks. Two tunnels bypassing Devil's Slide opened in 2013.

Devil's Slide: Now a recreational area closed to traffic, this stretch of highway on U.S. 1 south of Pacifica was known both for horrific over-the-cliff accidents and rock slides that would sometimes close the

The Dumbo: A nickname for the Dumbarton Bridge in the South Bay.photo-8743616.188767 - |ucfirst

The Nimitz. Another name for Interstate 880 in the East Bay. It was named after Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, commander in chief of land, air and sea forces in the Pacific Theater of World War II. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

The Nimitz. Another name for Interstate 880 in the East Bay. It was named after Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, commander in chief of land, air and sea forces in the Pacific Theater of World War II. (AP

The Fremont Funnel. In the Mission Boulevard corridor that parallels I-680, cut-through traffic has increased dramatically due to a rise in highway commuters that travel from the Central and Tri-Valley to the South Bay. The effect is known as the Fremont Funnel.

The Fremont Funnel. In the Mission Boulevard corridor that parallels I-680, cut-through traffic has increased dramatically due to a rise in highway commuters that travel from the Central and Tri-Valley to the

Hospital Curve, San Francisco. Highway 101 between Cesar Chavez and Vermont Street, adjacent to San Francisco General Hospital. You can't really see the hospital when you're traveling on the curve. The name is credited to the late traffic reporter Lu Hurley.

Hospital Curve, San Francisco. Highway 101 between Cesar Chavez and Vermont Street, adjacent to San Francisco General Hospital. You can't really see the hospital when you're traveling on the curve. The name is

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway: Another name for...photo-15034629.188767 - |ucfirst

Waldo Tunnel: The former name of the Robin Williams Tunnel on Highway 101 in Sausalito. It's known for its rainbow arches. William Waldo was a major Marin County land owner who ran for governor, lost and moved to Oregon in 1853. He left his name on a tunnel and the grade that approaches it from the south, but the tunnel was renamed for the late comedian. Waldo still has his grade, however. less

Waldo Tunnel: The former name of the Robin Williams Tunnel on Highway 101 in Sausalito. It's known for its rainbow arches. William Waldo was a major Marin County land owner who ran for governor, lost and ... more

Photo: Alan Dep, AP

Waldo Tunnel: The former name of the Robin Williams Tunnel...photo-10747161.188767 - |ucfirst

Waldo Grade: The grade on Highway 101 from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Robin Williams Tunnel. On March 11, 2006, it was the scene of a 28-car pileup.

Waldo Grade: The grade on Highway 101 from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Robin Williams Tunnel. On March 11, 2006, it was the scene of a 28-car pileup.

Photo: KIM KOMENICH

Waldo Grade: The grade on Highway 101 from the Golden Gate...photo-2672448.188767 - |ucfirst

James Lick Skyway: Did you know it's the elevated skyway from the Bay Bridge down to Candlestick Point on Highway 101? It was named for a miserly 19th-century San Francisco tycoon who was deemed worthy of a landmark because he gave away most of his money just before he died. Note: Some say it's only the portion from the 1-80-Highway 101 junction to Candlestick Point. (1975 file photo.) less

James Lick Skyway: Did you know it's the elevated skyway from the Bay Bridge down to Candlestick Point on Highway 101? It was named for a miserly 19th-century San Francisco tycoon who was deemed worthy of a ... more

Photo: Chronicle Archives

James Lick Skyway: Did you know it's the elevated...photo-12549099.188767 - |ucfirst

The Q-L-K, the Q or the Kopp: The I-380 bypass, connecting I-280 and Highway 101, is named after former state Sen. Quentin Kopp. But most people know it simply as Interstate 380 in San Bruno.

The Q-L-K, the Q or the Kopp: The I-380 bypass, connecting I-280 and Highway 101, is named after former state Sen. Quentin Kopp. But most people know it simply as Interstate 380 in San Bruno.

Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle

The Q-L-K, the Q or the Kopp: The I-380 bypass, connecting I-280...photo-4091251.188767 - |ucfirst

Sig Sanchez: Highway 101 between Cochran Road in Morgan Hill and the Highway 85 interchange in south San Jose. It has the reputation of being something of a speedway.

Sig Sanchez: Highway 101 between Cochran Road in Morgan Hill and the Highway 85 interchange in south San Jose. It has the reputation of being something of a speedway.

The Valley Surprise: So named because the relatively sharp curve on State Route 17 — the first after entering the Santa Clara Valley — surprises northbound drivers heading downhill with speed. A good number have hit the median barrier.

Big Moody Curve: The treacherous, horseshoe-shaped curve on Highway 17, Santa Cruz County. Careless or inexperienced drivers are liable to spin out when they realize they are traveling too fast on the 180-degree curve. Especially hazardous when wet.

Two Trees: This was the last section of center divide between east- and westbound I-80 traffic coming and going from the Bay Bridge. There were two trees that stood at the midway point that were cut down for bridge construction. Palm trees now line the approach. less

Two Trees: This was the last section of center divide between east- and westbound I-80 traffic coming and going from the Bay Bridge. There were two trees that stood at the midway point that were cut down for ... more

Two Trees: This was the last section of center divide...photo-16729988.188767 - |ucfirst

The Doran Bridge: The high bridge on Interstate 280 near the Peninsula's Crystal Springs reservoir. It was named for Hillsborough Police Officer Eugene A. Doran, who was slain during a traffic stop in 1959. His killer got the gas chamber two years later. less

The Doran Bridge: The high bridge on Interstate 280 near the Peninsula's Crystal Springs reservoir. It was named for Hillsborough Police Officer Eugene A. Doran, who was slain during a traffic stop in 1959. ... more

Photo: Art Frisch, The Chronicle

The Doran Bridge: The high bridge on Interstate 280 near...photo-6527561.188767 - |ucfirst